Cape Verde's remarkable journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken another emotional turn as veteran goalkeeper Vozinha prepares to reunite with his mother, who will now be able to watch him play in person following intervention by US authorities.
Visa Issues Resolved for Goalkeeper's Mother
The 40-year-old shot-stopper, who became an overnight sensation after his heroic performance against European champions Spain, had revealed after the historic goalless draw that his mother, Ana Candida Evora, was missing from the stands due to visa complications and financial constraints. The issue gained widespread attention, prompting US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries to take action.
Jeffries confirmed that he personally contacted Secretary of State Marco Rubio to urge authorities to ensure Evora could attend Cape Verde's next match. The congressman later announced that the process had been completed successfully.
No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history, Jeffries said. I spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and asked the State Department to do everything in their power to ensure that his mother can attend Cape Verde's next match on Sunday.
A State Department official, per Reuters, confirmed that American authorities had been assisting Evora. We can confirm our visa team in Praia is in close touch with her and providing the needed services, the official said. Jeffries also disclosed that financial obstacles had been addressed, with all fees waived and travel arrangements being made for the mother and son to reunite in Miami.
Emotional Reunion in Miami
The development means Evora will travel from Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, and take her place inside Miami Stadium when the Blue Sharks face Uruguay in their second group game. For Vozinha, the moment carries deep significance.
For me, this is very important because all my family always supports me in everything, the goalkeeper said. To have her here is something special. My father is also here and my brother, so I am very happy. The experienced shot-stopper admitted he wished more relatives could join him in the United States but acknowledged the difficulties involved.
Global Fame After Spain Heroics
Vozinha emerged as one of the surprise stars of the tournament after producing a sensational display in Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup match against Spain. He frustrated the European champions with a series of outstanding saves, earning the Player of the Match award and helping his team secure a memorable draw.
His performance transformed him into a social media sensation, with reports indicating his Instagram following exploded from around 50,000 before the match to more than 13 million within days. Despite the sudden attention, Vozinha insists he remains focused on football.
I've always been a focused person, he explained. Of course, it's not easy to manage all of this, but I try not to get too involved and spend as little time as possible on the phone and social media. He stressed that his priority remains the national team and the World Cup, a dream he has had since childhood.
Cape Verde Eye Bigger Achievements
The veteran goalkeeper dismissed suggestions that Cape Verde have already achieved their objective by holding Spain. We are here to compete, he said. We know we are from a small country and a small national team, but we have a lot of quality, and we are ambitious.
His teammate Deroy Duarte believes the goalkeeper's newfound popularity has had a positive impact inside the camp. Vozinha is a very good guy, Duarte said. We're all happy for him. I think this one match changed his life. It shows what the World Cup can do, and we're just happy for him.
Cape Verde now prepare to face Uruguay, knowing another positive result could move them closer to an extraordinary place in the knockout stages.
World Cup Record Set
Legit.ng previously reported that Vozinha became the oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet on his FIFA World Cup debut after his heroics against Spain. The 40-year-old made seven saves, earned Player of the Match honours, and helped Cape Verde secure one of the biggest results in the nation's football history.
